Dear Friends,
I am writing because elements of Altered States of the Arts, which some of you may remember, are being preserved in this new website called Artists for Change. The website is intended to serve as a remembrance for those who were there, a resource for those who want to know more about the psychiatric Consumer/Survivor Movement, and a place to view some of the art of that period in time. We have chosen art that “tells a story” by leaders of the movement. We have also included different forms of expression or techniques that draw upon the lived experiences of the artists to inspire hope related to mental health supports and services.
The Exhibit on the website was created by Deb Trueheart and Gayle Bluebird with contributions from numerous Consumer/Survivor artists for the Alternatives ’21 Conference. An updated version of the original Exhibit (with new contributions by the original artists) has been included on this Artists for Change site with the permission of the National Empowerment Center, which coordinated the Alternatives ’21 Conference Art Exhibit.
Our purpose for creating Artists for Change is to offer a brief history of the Consumer/Survivor Movement relative to the arts; honor the story of those who participated in Altered States of the Arts and Reaching Across with the Arts; provide access to articles, research studies, books, videos, and memoires by artist survivors; share recommended movies about mental health issues; offer links to recognized peer-run art centers; and suggest easy to follow activities that peer specialists can use when working with others on creative expressions through the arts.
We hope you enjoy the site.
Gayle Bluebird, March 2024
Altered States of the Arts (Psychiatric Survivors) 